New Bus Owner 96

[vaverka]

Just purchased my first bus. I have been looking for a few years online. I actually went to look at the bus to convert it to an rv for my in-laws who need a bus with a lift due to my father in-law being in a powered wheelchair. The lift on the bus was only rated for 600lbs and he needs a lift rated for 800lb. I felt the bus was such a great deal I couldn't let it go. So I purchased it. It is a 96 Amtran with a 7.3 international motor with 112000 miles on it The previous owner had painted it and removed all the seats. He placed new plywood and carpet on the floor. The bus is 27ft long. I think my son was more excited than I was about the purchase. My daughter not so much. I am looking forward to many trips thought out the year in the bus. Bus drove great on the hour and half drive home. I am located in Oklahoma. I am still looking for around a 30ft bus with a lift that has a max lift of 800lbs. Thank you in advance if you know of a bus that would work for them. I don't mind having to go pick one up that is some distance away.

 

[Robin97396]

I haven't heard of a lift rated at over 600 lbs. That doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

 

[vaverka]

Through my limited research looks like Braun makes a 750lb lift. I know the transit buses or shuttle buses the city runs around here have a bigger lift capacity than mine does. They have no problem picking up him in his chair. My understanding is that there are single hydraulic arm lifts and double hydraulic arm lifts. The doubles seem to have the higher capacity which makes sense. Does anyone else know if I am thinking correctly.

 

[Robin97396]

Why not buy a small city bus? With the right lift.

 

[vaverka]

They need about a 30 ft bus to accommodate his equiment that is used to transfer him. Not sure I can find a shuttle bus that long. I can do all the customizing and conversion. Just a very unquie situation. They had just become full time RVers and had went to Texas for the winter. Then he fell and was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. Which has caused him to become an incomplete quadriplegic. So just trying to get them back out camping. They have owned trailers and rvs for the last 40 years. I suggested a bus about a year ago. They finally understand how a bus would work for them. I have been telling them for the last year it was their best option. Now I am on the search for them a bus.

 

[Robin97396]

Concerning school buses, the special needs buses have a completely flat floor allowing wheel chair access throughout. In addition they have the L-track system you can use to anchor down hospital beds or wheel chairs. The drawback is school buses seem to usually have 600 lb lifts. You'd have to upgrade that part. Have you ever thought of installing a used lift gate on the rear of the bus? They are usually 1,800 lbs minimum. Not as safe as a wheel chair lift though.
I agree, it would be good to get him out of the house.

 

[EastCoastCB]

Concerning school buses, the special needs buses have a completely flat floor allowing wheel chair access throughout. In addition they have the L-track system you can use to anchor down hospital beds or wheel chairs. The drawback is school buses seem to usually have 600 lb lifts. You'd have to upgrade that part. Have you ever thought of installing a used lift gate on the rear of the bus? They are usually 1,800 lbs minimum. Not as safe as a wheel chair lift though.
I agree, it would be good to get him out of the house.

Not all of them have flat floors.

 

[Robin97396]

The ones with little wheels do. Did you see that medium size dognose special needs bus someone bought the other day that had a flat floor and smaller rear wheels? 466/3060. I've been lusting after that bus ever since.

 

[dgorila1-SKO]

Concerning school buses, the special needs buses have a completely flat floor allowing wheel chair access throughout. In addition they have the L-track system you can use to anchor down hospital beds or wheel chairs. The drawback is school buses seem to usually have 600 lb lifts. You'd have to upgrade that part. Have you ever thought of installing a used lift gate on the rear of the bus? They are usually 1,800 lbs minimum. Not as safe as a wheel chair lift though.
I agree, it would be good to get him out of the house.

A modified lift gate off a box truck is a good idea, or modify the lift on a stock bus with additional rams and such to get the lifting capacity you need.

 

[vaverka]

I contacted Midwest bus sales today to inquire on some used buses. They have several old school buses around 2006 models that have 800 lb lifts on them. They are a little pricey I would say.

 

[Robin97396]

Yeah, any dealer is normally going to be at least double what it would cost to get a bus at auction. Then again you are looking at a 2006, which in your case may be the best bet. Most of us skoolies like to get 1998 or older because of the non-electronic (mechanical) engine. It's highly dependent on what's available locally or how far you are willing to travel to get the right bus. Sorry, no easy answers.

 

[Robin97396]

Have you seen the 800 lb lift someone wants to give you?

800 lb lift (wasn't someone looking?)

 

[Robin97396]

This is a bus I actually found for PigPen, but it sounds like he is purchasing a bus already.
Public Surplus: Auction #1598053
I think this is about a 26' bus with lift. It is the smaller lift so you'd have to change that part.